Neymar has become the latest football superstar to embark on a sensational journey to the Saudi Pro League after completing a shock move to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The 31-year-old, who has penned a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, will be paid at least 300 million euros ($327 million) – six times the amount he earned in France. 

"I've achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places," Neymar said in a statement. 

"I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment," he added. "I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place." 

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, told the club's official website, "It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world. 

"I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, and what he has contributed to our club and our project over the last six years. We had a great moment and Neymar will always be a big part of our history."

Unfulfilled dreams and injuries 

Upon Neymar's arrival at PSG in 2017, the illustrious club held high hopes that his exceptional abilities would pave the way to securing a long-awaited and highly coveted maiden Champions League title.

The staggering world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros was a testament to their faith in his talent. Alas, despite his valiant efforts, the closest Neymar came to fulfilling this collective dream was a heart-wrenching defeat in the 2020 final at the hands of the German powerhouse Bayern Munich. 

He lifted five Ligue 1 titles and three French Cups with PSG, scoring 118 goals in 173 appearances. But several injuries marred his time in Paris, with PSG seemingly happy to cut their losses by allowing him to leave for a reported 90 million euros plus add-ons. 

According to French media outlet L'Equipe, PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe made Neymar's departure one of the prerequisites for him to commit to signing a new contract in 2022.

Neymar had expressed a keen interest in exploring potential opportunities within Europe. The lingering speculation of a potential return to Barcelona had been a subject of much discourse, yet thus far, no premier European powerhouse has displayed a willingness to accommodate his substantial wage demands.  

While reports initially linked Chelsea as a possible suitor, there was no concrete indication of serious interest emanating from Stamford Bridge.

Saudi Pro League's football shakeup 

Neymar's transfer to the Saudi Pro League marks yet another chapter in the league's remarkable summer spending spree.

This ambitious endeavor serves as a resounding testament to the league's unwavering determination to establish itself as one of the premier competitions globally in the coming years.

The influx of renowned football luminaries such as Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United in January, further solidifies the league's aspirations and elevates its status on the world stage.

Last month, Pep Guardiola, manager of English champions Manchester City manager, said in a press conference that he believes more and more "extraordinary players" will make the move to Saudi Arabia. 

"I think the Saudi league has changed the market," observed the Spanish tactician. "Many things happened unexpectedly. Just a few months ago, a year ago, when Cristiano was the only one to go, then no one could imagine the amount of top, top players, quality, extraordinary players who are going to play in the Saudi league. 

"In the future there will be more and that's why clubs need to be aware of what is happening... I don't know how long they will sustain it, but the feeling is that they will stay."